Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe | Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute | Nigeria

Engr. Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe is a seasoned Senior Research Officer at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, Nigeria. With over nine years of progressive research experience, he specializes in food processing, postharvest technology, and agricultural nanotechnology. He is a trailblazer in developing electrospun hexanal nanofiber matrices aimed at extending the shelf-life of fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes. His research integrates innovative preservation technologies to enhance food quality and sustainability. A COREN-certified engineer and postgraduate fellow, Dr. Gbabe has collaborated internationally, notably with the Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology in India. With extensive publications and conference contributions, he is an advocate of research-driven food security and sustainable packaging. He brings a multidisciplinary edge to the evolving field of agricultural innovation, focusing on reducing postharvest losses and increasing storage efficiency in sub-Saharan Africa.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research in Agricultural Nanotechnology

    • Pioneered the development of electrospun hexanal nanofiber matrices for fruit shelf-life extension — an emerging and impactful technology in food preservation.

  2. Strong Publication Record 

    • Over a dozen peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers published across international and national platforms with DOIs, indicating high-quality scholarly contribution.

  3. Hands-On International Collaboration 

    • Completed a research internship at TNAU, India, and collaborated with renowned global experts like Prof. K.S. Subramanian in nanoscience.

  4. Multi-disciplinary Skills 

    • Expertise in advanced instrumentation (FTIR, GC-MS, SEM, TEM) and statistical tools (R, SPSS) shows broad technical competence.

  5. Real-world Application & Societal Impact 

    • Focuses on postharvest technologies to reduce food losses, enhance food safety, and support smallholder farmers and artisans.

  6. Leadership and Mentorship

    • Supervises junior staff, fabricators, and trainees, and contributes to capacity building through training workshops.

  7. Recognized Academic Achievement 

    • Recipient of the Benue State University Postgraduate Fellowship (2020–2025).

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Technology Commercialization and Patenting

    • While research output is strong, translating research into commercial products or patents could increase impact.

  2. Broader International Visibility

    • Participation in more international consortia or grants (e.g., EU Horizon, USAID, FAO) could elevate the global footprint.

  3. Expanded Multidisciplinary Outreach

    • Could integrate more with biotech and AI in agri-research, especially in smart packaging and AI-driven postharvest solutions.

Education:

Dr. Gbabe is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Food Processing and Technology at Benue State University, Makurdi (2020–2025), with a research focus on developing electrospun hexanal nanofiber matrices for fruit preservation. He holds a Master of Engineering in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi (2017–2019), where his thesis explored eco-building materials using rice husk and sawdust. His undergraduate and professional training background is further enhanced by a Certificate in Computer Appreciation (2010), an internship at the Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, TNAU, India (2023), and registration with COREN (2024). Dr. Gbabe is also a member of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE-M2207), demonstrating a strong foundation in both academic knowledge and regulatory standards in engineering and food technology. His educational pursuits reflect a consistent drive toward sustainability, innovation, and technological adaptation in agricultural systems.

Experience:

Dr. Gbabe serves as a Senior Research Officer at NSPRI since 2016, where he leads projects on postharvest technology, storage engineering, and food shelf-life enhancement. His duties span experimental design, research data analysis, technical report writing, equipment fabrication supervision, and stakeholder training. He has been instrumental in developing novel postharvest technologies and electrospun hexanal nanofiber matrices for fruit preservation. In 2023, he completed a research internship at the Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, TNAU, India, gaining hands-on experience in nanotoxicity, food nanotechnology, and biosafety. Dr. Gbabe is known for his interdisciplinary collaboration, capacity-building initiatives, and extensive field and lab-based research. He also coordinates training programs for artisans, farmers, and students. His rich professional journey is marked by impactful project execution, community-focused technology dissemination, and consistent contributions to national and international research publications.

Research Focus:

Dr. Gbabe’s research is centered on postharvest loss reduction, sustainable food preservation, and agricultural nanotechnology. He is pioneering the use of electrospun hexanal nanofiber matrices to extend the shelf-life of perishable fruits like bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes—a major advancement in food storage technology. His work addresses the chemical and biological challenges in postharvest handling, integrating advanced techniques such as FTIR, GC-MS, SEM, and TEM to monitor quality and degradation. He is also exploring green materials for packaging and eco-friendly building solutions using agricultural waste like rice husks and sawdust. His international collaboration with TNAU, India, expanded his research in nanotoxicity and food safety. With a focus on experimental design, interdisciplinary innovation, and practical application, Dr. Gbabe contributes to the development of scalable, cost-effective technologies tailored for African agricultural ecosystems. His goal is to enhance food security through intelligent preservation methods and sustainable postharvest engineering.

Publication Top Notes:

  1.  Effect of Hexanal Nano-fiber Matrix on Quality Parameters of Tomato Fruits during Storage

  2.  Development of Novel Hexanal Nano-fibre Matrix by Electrospinning for Shelf-life Extension of Mango Fruits

  3.  Implication of Different Storage Techniques on Physical Attributes of African Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

  4.  Maize Grains Milling Efficiency: A Performance Analysis of a Hammer Mill

  5.  Insecticidal and Toxicity Studies of Heliotropium Indicum Leaf Extracts for Stored Grain Pest Control

  6.  Commercial Utilization of Inert Atmosphere Silo for Maize Storage

  7.  Chemical and Physico-chemical Properties of OFSP Chips Dried Using Solar Dryers

  8.  Evaluation of the Use of Rice Husk in Producing Eco-Building Materials

  9.  Pros and Cons of AI Thermal Imaging in Postharvest Handling of Agricultural Products

  10.  Development of Hexanal Electrospun Nano-fiber Matrix for Banana Preservation

Conclusion:

Engr. Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe is an exemplary researcher who combines scientific rigor, technological innovation, and practical application in the field of food systems and agricultural engineering. His pioneering work in nanotechnology, coupled with his leadership in postharvest technology, makes him exceptionally deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Yasmin M. Abd El-Aziz | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yasmin M. Abd El-Aziz | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yasmin M. Abd El-Aziz , Ministry of Higher Education, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt., Egypt

Dr. Yasmin Mohamed Abd El-Aziz El-Sayed is a dedicated Egyptian researcher and academic specializing in Zoology, with deep expertise in cytology, histology, and genetics. Born on March 17, 1991, in Port Said, Egypt, she has built a robust scientific career rooted in excellence and innovation. Currently a faculty member at Port Said University, Dr. El-Sayed has contributed significantly to environmental toxicology, tissue pathology, and natural compound therapeutics. Her scholarly journey reflects a commitment to understanding biological systems and mitigating the impact of environmental pollutants on health. She has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, actively participated in educational platforms, and has held leadership roles in academic committees. Recognized by international and national journals, she exemplifies scientific rigor and a passion for education and research. Her work continues to impact both academic circles and public health strategies.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Robust Publication Record 📚
    Dr. Yasmin has authored and co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed research papers across high-impact journals. Her research spans toxicology, histology, pharmacology, and aquaculture, with a strong presence in interdisciplinary studies.

  2. Innovative Research Focus 🔬
    She investigates the protective effects of natural compounds (e.g., curcumin, propolis, tamarind, pomegranate peel) on toxin-induced organ damage—critical for environmental health and therapeutic sciences.

  3. Contribution to Aquatic Health Science 🐟
    Her work on fish and shrimp nutrition, immunity, and resistance to pathogens significantly contributes to sustainable aquaculture, a pressing global need.

  4. Academic Leadership and Teaching 👩‍🏫
    With over a decade of university teaching experience and roles as a platform coordinator, trainer, and national committee member, she plays a pivotal role in shaping future scientists.

  5. Global Collaboration & Recognition 🌍
    She is associated with journals across the USA, India, and Egypt and actively collaborates internationally, as evidenced by co-authorships with global researchers.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. More International Exposure
    While her publication record is commendable, more presentations at international conferences could increase her visibility and influence in global academic circles.

  2. Grant Acquisition and Independent Projects
    Securing research funding or leading international-funded projects would further demonstrate her capabilities as an independent principal investigator (PI).

  3. Translational Research and Patents
    Exploring patentable innovations or clinical applications of her findings (especially plant-based remedies) would enhance the real-world impact of her work.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Yasmin El-Sayed earned her B.Sc. in Biotechnology from the Faculty of Science at Port Said University in 2012, graduating first in her class with honors. Her undergraduate education was marked by extensive coursework in zoology, histology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, and toxicology. This strong foundation laid the groundwork for her future research in cellular biology and environmental toxicology. She further specialized in cytology, histology, and genetic engineering, with a keen interest in microtechnique, haematology, and advanced histological studies. Her academic training focused on both theoretical and practical aspects of tissue biology, pathology, and molecular genetics. These studies were pivotal in preparing her to conduct complex investigations into the effects of environmental toxins and therapeutic agents on animal models. With a strong grasp of molecular tools and histological techniques, Dr. El-Sayed continues to build on her academic expertise through cutting-edge research and academic collaborations.

🧑‍🏫 Experience:

Dr. Yasmin began her academic career as a Demonstrator in the Department of Zoology at Port Said University in 2012. Over the years, she progressed to the role of Assistant Lecturer in 2015, where she played a vital role in educating and mentoring undergraduate students. She has taught various courses including General Zoology, Histology and Histochemistry, Anatomy, and Microscopic Techniques. Her involvement extends beyond teaching, serving as a certified trainer for national initiatives like the Mawada Project and a coordinator for e-learning platforms such as Thinqi. She also plays a leading role in population development strategies at the faculty level. Her administrative and instructional contributions demonstrate her holistic approach to academic development. Dr. Yasmin combines research, teaching, and community service to foster a dynamic learning environment, enhancing both student experience and institutional growth.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Yasmin El-Sayed’s research is primarily focused on toxicology, histopathology, cytogenetics, and therapeutic interventions using natural products. She investigates the biochemical and histological impacts of environmental toxins, including aluminum silicate, cadmium chloride, and iron oxide nanoparticles, on various organs in animal models. A significant component of her work involves evaluating the protective and antioxidant properties of natural extracts like propolis, pomegranate peel, Tegillarca granosa, and tamarind seeds. She is also engaged in aquatic animal health, exploring dietary interventions such as nano-curcumin, nano-selenium, and probiotics to improve the growth performance, immunity, and disease resistance in tilapia and shrimp. Her multi-disciplinary approach bridges molecular biology, histochemistry, and animal physiology, positioning her as a key contributor in both veterinary and biomedical research. Through her studies, she aims to develop natural, cost-effective treatments for toxin-induced damages, contributing to sustainable health and aquaculture solutions.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧠🧪 Protective effects of curcumin on cadmium chloride-induced bone/kidney toxicity in rats.

  2. 🧬🐀 Propolis protects against aluminum silicate toxicity in rats.

  3. 🧠🧬 Histopathological study: Egyptian propolis vs. aluminum silicate in rat cerebellum.

  4. 🧪📉 Prophylactic effect of propolis on multiple organs against aluminum silicate.

  5. 🧬🧫 Propolis defends liver from aluminum silicate: Biochemical and histological analysis.

  6. 🫁🛡 Propolis extract defends lung tissue against aluminum silicate: Antioxidant effects.

  7. 🐚🧬 Tegillarca granosa extract counters potassium bromide toxicity in rat liver and genes.

  8. 🧬🧫 Toxicity by sodium bicarbonate: Treatment using Cyperus esculentus tuber extract.

  9. 🤰🧬 Ehrlich carcinoma in pregnant mice: Tamarind extract shows protective effects.

  10. 🍎🧫 Pomegranate peel extract combats hepatotoxicity from iron oxide nanoparticles.

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Yasmin Mohamed Abd El-Aziz El-Sayed is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Her diverse and impactful research, exceptional academic contributions, and dedication to scientific advancement make her a leading candidate. With continued growth in global engagement and translational outputs, she is poised to become an even more influential figure in the field of environmental toxicology and biomedical research.